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Elite Belle wins 2014 C.B. Cox Stakes Group 2 $250,000 at Ascot (WA) 3yo+, 2100m.
Elite Belle, recent winner of the Railway Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m), successfully stepped up to 2100m to win this Group Two race. William Pike settled her between runners in eighth place before moving up three wide (with cover) from the 800m. She fanned deep on turning for home, challenged strongly at the 200m and finished too well to score by half a length.
Red Blast was just past midfield on settling, before making an early move at the 1400m but was then trapped three deep (without cover) outside the leading pair from the 1000m. He got to the front at the 200m and battled gamely for (half length) second, putting up a particularly good effort after a difficult trip.
Bass Strait was seventh early, raced three wide with cover, in fifth place from the 1000m and put in a good run on turning for home. He then fought on nicely for a good third, beaten just under a length. Ihtsahymn was midfield between runners until nearing the home turn. He was blocked on straightening, eased wider into clear running at the 200m and came with a late run for an unlucky fourth, beaten just under a length.
Mr Moet raced outside the leader (Chester Road) travelling at a moderate tempo. He was under pressure on turning for home but then battled back quite well to finish fifth, beaten two lengths.